Black Bear Spotted In Somerset County Over Weekend

FRANKLIN, NJ — It's getting warmer out and with that black bears are beginning to emerge in the area.

Most recently, a black bear was spotted walking on Mercury Street on Saturday, Franklin Township Police said.

"While he was minding his own business and not threatening anyone, residents should be mindful of their kids, pets & food outside. It may look cute and cuddly, but it’s a wild animal. Do not approach or feed!" said police.

Black bears have clearly staked their claim in the Garden State. The black bear's population has steadily increased over the past 35 years and expanded south and east from the forest-filled areas of northwestern New Jersey. Read More: It's Black Bear Season In New Jersey: What You Need To Know

As of 2017, black bears have been spotted in all 21 counties in New Jersey and almost every town in the Garden State, according to the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW).

The DFW offers the following tips for what to do if you see a black bear:

• Never feed or approach a bear!
• Remain calm if you encounter a bear. Do not run from it.
• Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises.
• Make sure the bear has an escape route.
• If a bear enters your home, provide it with an escape route by propping all doors open.
• To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans or using an airhorn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
• The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws and swat the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact and do not run.
• If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. It is usually not a threatening behavior.
• Black bears will sometimes "bluff charge" when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, then slowly back away and do not run.
• If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area.
• Report black bear damage or nuisance behavior to the DEP's 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).
• Families who live in areas frequented by black bears should have a "Bear Plan" in place for children, with an escape route and planned use of whistles and air horns.
• Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back!

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